Gov Hochul signs Diaper Disclosure Act into Law

We are happy to announce that the Diaper Disclosure Act (S2279C / A43C) was signed into law by Governor Hochul. This will require makers of diapers, other all-age incontinence products to disclose all intentionally added chemicals on the product packaging for items sold in New York State. This legislation will give shoppers the ability to make informed choices about these products and to protect their own or a loved one’s health.

Chemicals such as polypropylene, polyethylene, phthalates, bleaching agents, and fragrances (which can contain 300+ ingredients on their own) are common ingredients in these products. The skin is the largest organ in the body and is incredibly absorbent of these chemicals which can have harmful effects such as cancer, dermatitis, and reproductive harm. Babies and the elderly, the population group that most frequently wears diapers and other incontinence products, have a thin epidermis making them more sensitive to chemicals their skin comes into contact with.

This bill follows a similar one, the Period Product Ingredient Disclosure law, which not only increased transparency in menstrual product ingredients but appears to have triggered the removal of fragrance ingredients. 

This diaper legislation provides the transparency parents need to make informed purchasing decisions. In turn, this will drive innovation in safer diapers and will reward the responsible businesses that have already been avoiding harmful chemicals in the production of diapers. Let’s not forget that the children we are protecting are our future workforce.

“The business community applauds Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law," said Bob Rossi, Executive Director of the New York Sustainable Business Council. “This diaper legislation provides the transparency parents need to make informed purchasing decisions. In turn, this will drive innovation in safer diapers and will also reward the responsible businesses that have already been avoiding harmful chemicals in the production of diapers. Let’s not forget that the children we are protecting are our future workforce.”